Michael Higham

“While Code Vein 2 has flashes of greatness, this soulslike action RPG isn't able to maintain a consistent level of quality, and can be sloppy as often as it is compelling.”

“Octopath Traveler 0 asks you to stick with a 100-hour journey, and it rewards you with the kinds of moments only lengthy RPGs can pull off with its overarching story, an intricate turn-based combat system, and a soundtrack that'll leave you absolutely floored.”

“Once you've given Full Metal Schoolgirl a couple runs, you've pretty much seen it all. There are decent ideas with potential that meld the shooter genre and roguelike framework well – it's unfortunate that they get squandered by foundational shortcomings.”

“A predictable but well-executed story takes you through Ghost of Yotei's gorgeous landscapes and satisfying, fluid action – it may not be revolutionizing open world games, but it's a great distillation of the samurai fantasy.”

“Between its old-school stealth-action gameplay and engaging spy-thriller story, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater largely succeeds as a faithful, visually impressive remake of the 2004 classic.”

“As an old RPG Maker classic from 2008, OFF certainly shows its age, but it deserves respect as a pioneer in the indie RPG scene, and those successes still shine through in this faithful remaster of a cult-classic.”

“South of Midnight is a straightforward but well-executed action-adventure game elevated by the artistry and heart of the American Southern culture that’s wrapped around it.”

“Refining the Atlus RPG formula of weaving tough turn-based combat into compelling social sim mechanics, Metaphor: ReFantazio doesn’t just send a powerful message across its political drama, it becomes a beautiful expression of the real impact storytelling can have on all of us.”

“The Persona 3 Reload DLC, Episode Aigis: The Answer, may be tedious to play at times, but in its faithful recreation are important lessons about the toughest parts of our lives, told through the lens of the series' best characters.”

“Dawntrail may have some growing pains as it establishes a compelling new era for Final Fantasy XIV, but in its best moments, it lives up to what has made this MMORPG so special for all these years.”

“Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance doesn't necessarily make drastic improvements upon the 2021 original, but its new storyline and content additions are reason enough to revisit an already great RPG, or start fresh if you missed it the first time.”

“1000xResist is a revolution in storytelling, creating its own complex and rich fiction that’s beautifully written and spectacularly visualized. By expertly weaving genuine intimate moments with a sharp political identity, it makes its statements with a confidence that leaves an everlasting impact.”

“The Rising Tide works great as one last hurrah with new Eikons and a short but worthwhile adventure that shows a different side of FFXVI.”

“Sand Land’s vehicular focus shows potential, but devolves into a by-the-numbers open world action game with storytelling that only occasionally manages to live up to the joys of the original work.”

“Backpack Battles’ satisfying inventory organizing mechanics make for an autobattler with a strong foundation, but its barebones Early Access launch leaves a lot of its potential waiting on the table.”

“Final Fantasy VII Rebirth impressively builds off of what Remake set in motion, both as a best-in-class action-RPG full of exciting challenges and an awe-inspiring recreation of a world that has meant so much to so many for so long.”

“With a stellar visual overhaul and countless small but impactful changes, Persona 3 Reload tells a timeless story of tragedy and hope with sharp emotional sincerity.”

“Infinite Wealth takes one step forward and two steps back, leaving conflicted feelings amid its outstanding RPG systems and phenomenal character moments.”

“RGG Studio's latest action-brawler is a captivating and emotional look at Kiryu's life that offers a 'greatest hits' of the series' gameplay.”

“Phantom Liberty embodies the best of Cyberpunk 2077 for a thrilling RPG-shooter with an evocative story, compelling side content, and unforgettable conclusions.”